LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - 5/21/2014

Editor: In response to your May 19 editorial “City’s chance to correct big mistake,” I am writing on behalf of Scranton Tomorrow/Main Street Scranton in support of the Scranton-Abingtons Planning Association proposed multi-municipal comprehensive plan. We at Scranton Tomorrow were participants in the downtown Scranton plan discussions and applaud the numerous groups and individuals that have dedicated their time and expertise to this comprehensive process.

The SAPA plan provides a blueprint, identifying how Scranton and our neighboring communities can balance resource conservation, economic vitality and quality of life. The plan addresses existing conditions and current trends, as well as future goals and objectives for growth management and a more sustainable region.

As a state-designated Main Street organization and advocate for the revitalization of our urban centers, Scranton Tomorrow strongly supports the SAPA comprehensive plan. This plan not only provides a guide for growth management but will also lend itself as a tool for future grant funding opportunities.

Scranton Tomorrow/Main Street Scranton is hopeful that members of city council will recognize the significant benefits of the SAPA plan by voting in favor of the proposed ordinance.

LESLIE MEMOLO-COLLINS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

SCRANTON TOMORROW/MAIN STREET SCRANTON

10 million enroll;

others left to die

Editor: One thing we have learned from the implementation of the Affordable Care Act is the selfishness in our country. For the first time millions of Americans will have health insurance and yet to some this is an anathema.

Naturally some pundits on TV may find Obamacare repulsive. It is more difficult to comprehend the vituperative response of older citizens on Medicare who have enjoyed the benefits of their government health insurance coverage but do not want Obamacare for others. How selfish is that?

But the good news is a gain of almost 10 million American adults with health insurance coverage from September 2013 to mid-March 2014. Surveys by Gallup and Rand confirm this increase. And the late-March enrollment surge will provide more gains.

And all the horror stories of the Koch-sponsored propaganda evaporated as they were investigated. Next year, even more people will sign up.

However, there is no doubt that Republican governors will block the Medicaid expansion in their states, which will deny health care to millions of poor Americans.

But why would they block this coverage since the federal government will pay for the Medicaid expansion? Is it evil? The death toll from rejection of Medicaid expansion is predicted to be from 7,000 to 17,000 per year so this evil travesty will be quickly apparent. Will the governors who reject Medicaid expansion accept responsibility for these deaths?

GEORGE J. MOTSAY, M.D.

UPPER MACUNGIE TWP.,

LEHIGH COUNTY

Pursue progress

Editor: I can’t understand who would vote for the Neanderthal Party (except the 1 percent).

The Republicans don’t believe in climate change in spite of all the evidence.

They profess that they are for the people, but their actions show just the opposite. They are against a minimum wage, extending unemployment insurance and affordable health insurance. They don’t work on passing anything except tax breaks for the rich. They criticize everything President Obama does and they waste time trying to repeal Obamacare.

The Republicans tell us that the XL Pipeline will create thousands of jobs. While the pipeline is being built it employs about 800 people but once it is built it will have only about 35 permanent positions.

It’s truly amazing that President Obama got anything done. From the start, the Republicans worked hard to make sure that he would not get re-elected.

In choosing the leadership for the country, consider that without looking at the facts, Republicans jumped on the bandwagon of a Nevada scofflaw rancher, Cliven Bundy, who wouldn’t pay his taxes. Then they had to backtrack. Do you want a leader who thinks things out or one who makes rash judgments?

So think things out before you vote in November. The Republicans have the 1 percent who have the money but we have the votes. The Republicans have to be voted out this year. Give President Obama people who will work with him during his last years as president.

In Pennsylvania, remember the governor and lawmakers who wouldn’t tax the frackers. Now we have a $1 billion deficit. Forget about getting a break on your school taxes.

ED DRYDOL

SOUTH ABINGTION TWP.

Rogues’ gallery

Editor: I applaud the courage, common sense and decency displayed by freshman state Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) in calling for removal of the portraits of former legislative leaders who disgraced themselves, the office to which they were elected, and the commonwealth by engaging in serious criminal misdeeds that triggered the end of their periods of “public service.”

It is patently absurd to engage in a charade in which those who have committed acts sufficiently serious as to require the forfeiture of their pensions are deemed worthy of the honor and aggrandizement that are afforded through their dignified portraits occupying what we would like to believe are the hallowed halls of the ornate and stately Capitol Complex.

Although they may have committed some good deeds amidst looking out for themselves and their re-election first, those who were caught with their hands in the cookie jar are forever tarnished. Their portraits deserve a spot in the rogues’ gallery, not the state Capitol.

OREN M. SPIEGLER

UPPER SAINT CLAIR

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

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